Remote Chlorophyll Detection Using Water-Index Biomass Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining chlorophyll concentration in crops using remote imagery are affected by weather and atmospheric conditions, and struggle to accurately assess chlorophyll levels independently of biomass variations, leading to inaccurate fertilizer recommendations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method combining remote spectral data analysis with local measurements, using chlorophyll and water-related vegetation indexes to determine chlorophyll concentration independently of biomass, and identifying specific measurement regions for local chlorophyll measurements to improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote spectral data is used to determine chlorophyll concentration, then the ability to remotely assess crop nutrient status is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to atmospheric conditions and biomass variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote assessment capabilityVSAvoidchlorophyll concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces water-related vegetation indexes as an intermediary parameter to mediate between remote spectral observations and chlorophyll concentration. By using the water index (derived from SWIR bands) as a mediator that correlates with biomass, the system can indirectly account for biomass effects without requiring direct biomass measurement, thus improving precision while maintaining remote sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the approach by changing from direct chlorophyll concentration measurement to a two-parameter system: chlorophyll-related vegetation index (CVI) and water-related vegetation index (WI). This parameter transformation allows the system to separately capture chlorophyll signal and biomass signal, enabling more precise chlorophyll determination through the relationship: chlorophyll concentration ∝ CVI/WI

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If traditional vegetation indexes are used, then remote sensing capability is maintained, but measurement precision worsens due to confounding effects of biomass and plant density variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote sensing operationVSAvoidchlorophyll concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traditional single vegetation index approach into two separate indexes: a chlorophyll-related vegetation index (CVI) that specifically captures chlorophyll absorption features, and a water-related vegetation index (WI) that captures biomass-related water content. This segmentation allows independent measurement of chlorophyll and biomass effects, eliminating the confounding problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spectral parameters used for measurement by selecting specific wavelength bands: blue and red-edge bands for CVI (chlorophyll absorption), and SWIR bands for WI (water content). This parameter selection optimizes the sensitivity of each index to its target parameter while minimizing interference from the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If single-point local measurements are taken, then measurement precision for individual plants is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to assess entire fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle plant measurement accuracyVSAvoidfield coverage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges remote sensing (which provides broad field coverage) with local measurements (which provide high precision) by using the local measurements to calibrate and validate the remote sensing-derived chlorophyll concentration. This combination allows the system to achieve both field-wide productivity and measurement precision through a hierarchical measurement strategy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a precise determination of chlorophyll concentration, enabling more accurate fertilizer recommendations and improving crop yield and quality by accounting for crop-specific properties and variations.

Implementation Method 1

receiving remote spectral data from a plurality of wavelengths of the agricultural field, wherein the plurality of wavelengths comprises at least one wavelength from a water absorption band and at least one from a chlorophyll absorption band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4591286B1A method and system for remote chlorophyll detection and determination of measurement regions for chlorophyll direct measurement

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 YARA INTERNATIONAL ASA

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AI summary

System and method for remotely determining a chlorophyll concentration in crops present in agricultural fields, wherein a chlorophyll related vegetation index is combined with a water related vegetation index to determine a chlorophyll concentration. Further embodiments for the combination of remote and local sensing are included as well as the determination of measurement regions for that goal are disclosed.